Oak Park, IL, ‘Ride of Silence’ Remembers Illinois Bicycle Accident Victims

Oak Park and River Forest are teaming up to host a Chicago version of the national Ride of Silence event on May 18th to memorialize those that have been killed in bicycle accidents and promote bicycle safety and awareness. The event will be the first of its type for the Oak Park and River Forest communities. Similar Ride for Silence events have been planned in Evanston, Downers Grove, Joliet, Arlington Heights and some other suburbs. The Ride for Silence was started in Dallas, TX, in 2003 after a bicycle accident fatality. Cyclists reportedly ride in complete silence on a set route. The City of Chicago itself has seen a rise in so called ‘ghost bikes’ – solid white bicycles chained or locked to a post near the site of a fatal bicycle accident.

Oak Park, IL, has a significant cycling population and village officials have been trying to boost the number of bicycle lanes according to Ron Burke of the Active Transportation Alliance. The event is aimed at increasing cyclist awareness in and around the Oak Park, IL, community. Interested bicyclists should meet at 7 p.m. at Lake St. and Oak Park Ave. for the ride which is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding bicycle accidents in and around Chicago or would otherwise like to speak with a Chicago bicycle attorney, please call 847-969-9510.